Post a comment
My brother Josh and I decided to “cast our nets” on Pismo Pier on Sunday. As we walked out on to the pier, we noticed a large group of people congregating out at the very end. By the time we were two-thirds of the way down there, we heard people saying things like, “that guy has something big on the end of his pole.” As we drew nearer, it was obvious that one of the fishermen did in fact have something large on the end of his line.
There were many skeptics saying, “it’s probably an old boot or some sea weed.” I think I may have also been thinking that. But as we watched this guy, I found my skepticism was about to be proven out of line – pardon the pun.
Whatever was on the end of this guy’s line was pulling him from one side of the pier to the other. He went where the fish went. He even got tangled up in the lines of other fishermen – this guy wasn’t giving up.
His tenacity paid off after approximately 45 minutes. IT WAS A THRESHER SHARK! 7 FEET LONG! As this monster from the deep broke the water's surface, everyone gasped. Men, women, and children shrilled with excitement and fear. It took three full-grown men with rope gaffs to pull this fish up. We couldn’t believe it.
The three fishermen wrestled this fish up over the railing, and on to the pier. One of the guys grabbed it by the tail to pull it out away from the edge of the pier. It took all this guy had to move it. Once out in open, where everyone could look at it, we were astonished – this beautiful animal was caught! It was neat to look at; but at the same time sad to see such an awesome creature gasping for it’s last breath – doing it’s best to stay alive.
This reminded me what Christians are called to do. We are to be fishers of men!
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:17-20
Where is your “net” Christian? Where is your “pole?” Is it ready with good strong line on it? We must be persistent. We must have tenacity when it comes to fishing for the souls of men. We need to go where they go or your never going to catch any. Christian, are you willing to get “tangled up” with other Bible-believing Christians and go fishing and cast the gospel line? There are many skeptics to street evangelism. “It’s too much in your face,” they say. Our society is, “in your face.” Turn on the TV, walk down the street, do you hear the conversations that teens are having these days, do you see the bumper stickers, and T-shirts, it’s all about shock and awe – blasphemy, sexual immorality, covetousness – IN YOUR FACE!
Very few people take great offence to street evangelism. They may take offence to the gospel, but that is to be expected. They didn’t receive our Lord’s gospel preaching either.
Let’s “GO” fishing Christian! Let’s exert ourselves and drag them to the cross that they may die to themselves. Let’s help them to see their eternal destiny without Christ Jesus; pleading with them to trust in His blood alone for the forgiveness of sins.
Christian, when you intentionally go out to share the good news with people, your heart’s desire must be to do nothing more than to glorify God, out of gratitude and with a deep sense of compassion for the lost.
While we were fishing, I met a nice lady named Cammey (spelling?). Cammey is a pastor’s daughter. She briefly shared here story with me and told me in no uncertain terms that she was not born-again. The audio of this podcast stops abruptly. My battery died! I couldn’t believe it. I thought about not posting this but I want you to hear Cammey’s voice, keeping in mind, this very nice lady isn’t saved. She understands the gospel – we chatted about it for some time. Cammey also understands what her response should be. Namely to die to herself, repent of sin, turning to Christ in faith. She understands! I asked her why she hadn’t called on God to save her. It sounded like she wanted what she wanted and that is that. Cammey is very tender towards the truth of the Bible, the gospel, and God so please, please lift her up in your prayers.
Here are a couple more names you can lift up in prayer:
A family of three: Keith, Tracey, and Breanna. Keith is in the Air Force and has served our country in the Middle East. He and Tracey both have a ‘buffet’ sort of belief system. A bit of everything - not holding firmly to any one religion. Claiming the old standby: “there are many roads to God.” They gave me 10 or 15 minutes of their time and I was grateful. Even though they resisted the idea of Jesus being the only way to God, they seemed open minded and they took tracts. Please pray for this young family.
In the previous podcast, I talked to a Jehovah’s Witness named Miranda. Right after that encounter, I met another Jehovah’s Witness and we began to chat. While we were talking, an oriental man came up and began listening intently to our conversation. After our conversation ended, I asked the man, “what do you think about Christianity?”
Chandler was in his sixties. He told me he grew up in Cambodia. Both his parents are Buddhist. He indicated that he lived most of his life as a Buddhist. He told me where he grew up and how he had to live in wartime in Cambodia – wow, make the hair stand up on the back of your neck. During our conversation, I did my best to weave sin, righteousness, judgement, the Cross-, repentance and faith. By the end of our conversation, Chandler said that he better understood the Christian message. Please pray for Chandler as well.
|
